Kevin Magnussen embraces sports car racing with BMW

Former F1 driver Kevin Magnussen joins BMW for the Rolex 24 at Daytona, marking a new chapter in his racing career.

Kevin Magnussen, driver of the #24 BMW M Team RLL BMW M Hybrid V8, looks on from the garage during the Roar Before the 24 at Daytona International Speedway on January 17, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

By Yuni Utomo and Widya Lestari

Kevin Magnussen, a seasoned veteran of more than 180 Formula 1 Grand Prix races, is set to embark on a new journey in sports car racing. The Rolex 24 at Daytona marks the beginning of Magnussen's commitment to BMW M Motorsport’s Le Mans Daytona hybrid (LMDh) program, a significant milestone in his career.

“It’s good to be racing,” Magnussen said enthusiastically. “I’m happy to be going back to sports car racing.”

Magnussen, who spent the majority of his F1 career with Haas, was replaced by the team in July 2024 for the upcoming 2025 season. While exploring his next steps, he considered joining the IndyCar Series but ultimately chose sports car racing to maintain stability for his young family.

“I have two young daughters,” Magnussen explained, “and moving to the U.S. full-time for IndyCar wasn’t the right fit. Sports car racing lets me stay closer to home while continuing to compete at a high level.”

Magnussen’s decision to join BMW is not a leap into the unknown. His father, Jan Magnussen, is a seasoned sports car racer with four class wins at Le Mans and one at Daytona. Kevin himself has prior experience in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) series, having raced with Cadillac from 2021 to 2022 during a brief hiatus from Formula 1.

“In some way, it feels like going home,” he said. “My dad has been in sports car racing for as long as I can remember. I grew up around the tracks and these big endurance races.”

Magnussen also shared a humorous memory from his childhood involving Vincent Vosse, co-owner of Team WRT, which manages BMW’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) cars. “When I was two years old, I jumped into a pool at Vincent’s house in Belgium. I couldn’t swim, and he had to dive in fully dressed for a gala event. It definitely ruined his day, but it’s a funny memory now.”

Magnussen’s role with BMW includes competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and select IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship events, including the Rolex 24 at Daytona. He sees this as an opportunity to explore a different aspect of motorsport.

“I’ve always been passionate about all types of racing,” Magnussen said. “With BMW, I can chase wins in these iconic endurance events. It’s a chance to expand my horizons and build on my racing legacy.”

BMW had initially approached Magnussen in 2023, but Haas retained him for another F1 season. When Haas opted not to renew his contract for 2025, BMW seized the opportunity to bring him on board.

“When you’ve competed at such a high level like Formula 1 for a decade, it speaks volumes about your skills and work ethic,” said Andreas Roos, head of BMW M Motorsport. “Kevin’s experience and attitude make him a perfect fit for our team. His time in sports cars only adds to his versatility.”

One of the key differences between Formula 1 and endurance racing is the collaborative nature of the latter. At Daytona, Magnussen will share driving duties in the No. 24 BMW M Hybrid V8 with teammates Philipp Eng, Dries Vanthoor, and Raffaele Marciello.

“You don’t have the car all to yourself in endurance racing,” Roos explained. “With four drivers, everyone has their preferences and driving styles, so finding a balanced setup is crucial. It’s about teamwork and compromise to create a winning package.”

Magnussen acknowledges the adjustment but is confident in his ability to adapt quickly. “I’m used to pushing myself and working with teams at the highest level. It’s a challenge I’m excited to tackle,” he said.

The #24 BMW M Team RLL BMW M Hybrid V8, driven by Philipp Eng, Kevin Magnussen, Raffaele Marciello, and Dries Vanthoor, competes during the Roar Before the 24 at Daytona International Speedway on January 17, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

BMW has shown steady progress since launching its LMDh program in 2023. The team achieved its first podium finish in WEC in late 2024 and is entering Daytona with high expectations.

“Winning is always the goal,” Roos said. “We’re not here just to fill the grid. We’ve made significant improvements in both WEC and IMSA, especially in the latter half of last season. Our focus is on being competitive and fighting for victory.”

The Rolex 24 at Daytona serves as a litmus test for BMW’s advancements and Magnussen’s integration into the team. With two IMSA wins under its belt, the manufacturer is aiming to establish itself as a dominant force in endurance racing.

For Magnussen, this new chapter offers a chance to step away from the relentless pace of Formula 1 and embrace a different type of competition. The endurance format demands patience, strategy, and collaboration, qualities that complement his extensive racing experience.

“This is an exciting time in my career,” Magnussen said. “I’m grateful to BMW for this opportunity and look forward to competing in some of the most prestigious races in the world.”

As he prepares for the Rolex 24, Magnussen is not just racing for a win but also for a renewed sense of purpose in a sport he loves. His journey with BMW marks the beginning of a new era, one that promises thrilling challenges and the potential to cement his legacy as a versatile and accomplished driver.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona begins on Thursday, with Magnussen and his teammates aiming to make their mark in the endurance racing world. For fans and competitors alike, all eyes will be on the No. 24 BMW as it takes to the track in one of motorsport’s most iconic events.

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